C.E.M.S.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 252, 3 April 1915, Page 3

C.E.M.S.

THE 11th REGIMENT CAMP AT REWA BEWA.

REPORT OF CHAPLAIN-MAJOR EVANS.

The sub-committee of the St. Mary's branch of the C.EM.S. did very excellent work when they arranged for a marquee from Auckland to be sent down here, and also thought out the various details that helped to make it a very useful adjunct to the late camp. The tent, with its quiet shelter for the ine'.i, for reading, writing and games of various kinds, was a real help to the chaplain's work, and undoubtedly was 'keenly appreciated by the large number who took advantage of it. The number of books, magazines, etc., sent to us by kind friends in various parts of Taranaki was very largo and gave great pleasure to the men. After the camp was over Hie best of them were sent off to the trams, to help to shorten the long, tedious journey some of the boys bad before reaching home. The money sent in by generous helpers was more than ono.i,M !<j pay the expenses oJ freight, etc., for tiie tent anil furniture, and also other items of printing, etc. The lion, treasurer will give a detailed account of this. The loa n of a piano by Mr Hoffmann was a groat assistance, and wo arc greatly indebted to him fof t£. It Is quite remarkable to discov;;- " now 0 j boys can pjfly a little, and music and singing never fail to attract them. Those who came out to help us by singing deserve our hearty gratitude, and I only wish we could have taken more advantage of their kindness. Chaplain-Cap-tain Dent, of Eltham, came into camp from Monday until Saturday, and was an immense help. His pleasant manner and great musical ability will always make him a camp favorite. The vic-vs of St. Mary's, New Plymouth, Inglewood, 'Okato, and Waitara also gave their sympathetic help, and assisted not a little to make the ino„ enjoy themselves. It is really splendid when the presence of the clergy can add to the enjoyment of our young fellows. The nonting-box and stamp selling machine (kindly lent by Mr Burton, Chief Postmaster) were very much appreciated, and the number of stamps sold and letters posted must have astonished the authorities. I cannot speak too highly of the four services held during the camp. The parade services were all well attended, and the behaviour of the men absolutely perfect. The straight talk on the first Sunday on the subject of ''l,lll- - bore wonderful fruit, and bad language afterwards was most exceptional. I very much appreciate the goodness of the Citirons' Band (under Bandmaster Cuinn 'ns) in coming out on the two Sundays and their presence made all the difference to the parades. ',The evening services were to me most impressive, and I shall never forget the quiet, heart-to-heart talks we had with the young soldiers. I have never appreciated more than at this camp the fine influence of our 'regimental staff sergeant-majors. Tiny are simply splendid and do an immense amount of good to those under their authority. The concerts given in the camp would have been very different if it had not been for the presence and genial assistance of (lie staff serges fitmajors. The cheers given for them at the end of the camp were a real indexi of the esteem in which tliey are hold. 11 am much indebted to the Officer Commanding (Major Bellrmger) and to all the officers, for their unfailing kindness and courtesy. Next year I shall ii mrlotfi twenty - ears' service with the Taranaki Rifles, and I have always le ceiled the same ireatmi :>f.

Some people are so obsessed by thimportance of their own work that they lose sight of the importance of similar work done by others. But i should like to draw attention to the excellent work done in connection with the Presbyter-

ian and Y.M.C.A. tents, and to say how cordial and brotherly were my relations with Chaplain-Captains Roscvoaiv and Reader. It was a real pleasure lo have them in camp. I cannot close this report without expressing my great persona! appreciation of the work done by the Rev. IT. Flavel and the lion, secretary (Mr IT. C. Baker). Mr Flavel did good work for the camp, mainly by his riersonal inflncme in obtaining so much assistance for us in town. I thank him most sincerely. And Mr Baker has been the movoig spirit i,, all. and has shown unfailing devotion, and it has liren a great pleasure to me to work with him. Mi' T. Avery kindly printed Die cards for tiie camp gratis, and charged very r.iodcratelv for the hymn sheets.